2. Justin Reed
Let’s stay with the rookies, and another big difference-maker for the Texans could be Justin Reid and his play as a free safety, as he has had an excellent season in his first year in the NFL. Going into Monday night’s game against the Tennessee Titans, Reid has 53 total tackles with three interceptions.
From the looks of things, Reid hasn’t been playing like a rookie in the Texans’ defensive backfield and has really become a difference-maker already for this franchise and will most likely continue that trend for the remainder of the season.
What Reid has brought to the Texans this season is consistent play at the safety position, and being paired with the likes of Mike Tyson, Kareem Jackson, Shareece Wright and Tyrann Mathieu in the defensive backfield has most likely helped the progression of the rookie safety as well.
As the Texans are the sixth-ranked defense in points allowed at 20.5 points per game, and 234.5 yards allowed per game passing, Reid has been a big part of that success. That should keep him going as a difference-maker as the season rolls along for the Texans as they head into their game on Monday night.